balsingh

So my friend and I are assembling our packing lists and buying all the gear for our month-long tour this summer in Europe and a debate arose: is it necessary to bring along a spare, foldable tire? Now it's not like France is utterly uncivilized and there are no bike shops there, but I'd rather spend the trip riding than looking for a new tire. So, do I bring a spare or take my chances and not? Thanks.

Bal

jnoble123

A spare tire doesn't weigh much or cost much depending on what you have. If the two of you have the same rim size on your wheels then you could also share the tire between you if needed.

A spare tire certainly seems to be a lot nicer to have instead of that 30 km+ walk to the next town hoping that there is a bike shop with the needed tire.

In a poll on BT101 tire blowouts were the third most common type of equipment failure on tour. (flats = first, spokes = second).

~Jamie N

froze

I agree, I think you should carry a folding spare tire. Even if you get a slightly smaller tire then your regular tires that would be ok since you would only use it for a short while to you got another main tire, this will also save some space, but it would probably be better to have the same size in your particular situation.

eastbaybob

If you need a new one just buy one while you're over there. If you notice that the tire is starting to go bad, then buy a new one before it is completely gone. Maybe start out with a nice set of new tires.

Bacciagalupe

If you're going for a week or so, I wouldn't sweat it. 2 or more weeks, I'd bring a folding tire and a couple of extra spokes to boot.

balsingh

Well I'm gone for just shy of four weeks and I was planning on bringing spokes, chains, and cables. But my main hitch is that I can't find a good, touring, foldable tire in 700x25. Can you help? Thanks and please keep the advice coming.

froze

that's not the point. the point is that if he damages a tire beyond repair, which can happen to new tires, then he needs a spare tire. Any yoke can notice a tire going bad and buy a new one before it's gone, and also be thinking...gee, I'm going on a long tour overseas maybe I should get new tires before I go!

froze

The Specialized Roubaix Armadillo Elite 700c tire I believe is a folding tire and comes in a 25 and very flat resistent; and if not a folding tire then the Specialized ALL CONDITION PRO TIRE I know is and comes in a 25 and is flat resistent but not as robust as the Armadillo.

balsingh

thanks, i really appreciate your advice, but unfortunately, all i could find on the Specialized website were 25s with wire beads and i'm looking for something with a little tread like my Schwalbe Marathon Pluses, nothing too aggressive. How about Vittoria or Panaracer?

kyledr

how do you even mess up a tire so bad that you can't even ride it with a boot? I bet with a boot and some added duct tape, you could ride on practically anything. I really don't want to carry a spare tire, but my trip will be three months (of light touring, though).

froze

That's not true, I mentioned in that post that the Specialized ALL CONDITION PRO TIRE were folding tires and their web site says they are, and they come in 700x25 , I checked. https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqP...jsp?spid=26452

Remember this is just going to be a spare that will be used only for emergencies which means as soon as you find a replacement tire thats more suitable for touring then your going to replace it. I have never seen a tire with tread like the Schwalbe you mention that folds...but I admit I don't buy tires like that thus I have no reason to look for them. Just think of the spare like cars that have those small space saver tires, their only to be used in emergencies to get you to a repair shop.

NoReg

I carry one since I had the case of a schwalbe tear on a tour. In any place I have lived, new touring gear is always a long way off, on the oroad it is usually moreso. I don't think the quality of the replacement is paramount since one can deal with a less efficient model if need be. I think I have Pacelas and Hutchisen folders.

jibi

Like this



Schwable Marathon XR

george

jimblairo

I had an XR blow off the rim on me. I was running the tire on ashphalt at 70 psi and stopped for a break and the bike sat on the hot pavement and BLAM. The tube was split on the inside and the tire came off the rim.

Too much pressure?

balsingh

Oh, I apologize. In that case, that looks like the best solution at the moment. Thanks very much for all your help, advice, and finding me the right tire, I really appreciate it. Thanks again.

Bal

Burningman

I always take a spare where ever I'm touring.......As far as your tour....

Let me think...Europe,cycling...Europe,cycling...Europe,cycling...I think you'll be OK(I know you'll be OK)